The Cross Community Cup kicks off with Irish FA support, pictured at the launch at the National Stadium; Cal McClean (8) practises his skills with (back l-r) Victoria Minnis, Marketing Manager Hughes Insurance and Oonagh O'Reilly, Director of Sales and Marketing Irish FA.

The third annual Cross Community Cup, hosted by Carryduff Colts FC and sponsored by Hughes Insurance, will take place this weekend, Saturday May 27 and Sunday May 28 May in Lough Moss Leisure Centre in Carryduff.

This year the youth tournament in in partnership with the Irish FA, introducing the 'Let Them Play' Awards. The Awards will recognise Fair Play, Respect and Sportsmanship.

The organisers will be on the lookout for teams who demonstrate fair play throughout the tournament and individual players whose acts of sportsmanship assert a positive influence on the game. There will also be a side-line award for coaching staff who demonstrate respect for their team, the opposition, and spectators.

Oonagh O'Reilly, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Irish FA, said: "Hughes Insurance are a fantastic partner of the Irish FA and aligned with our 'Football for All' message. Our vision is to inspire young children across Northern Ireland to play the game and to dream of wearing the green shirt. We see the Cross Community Cup and the addition of the 'Let Them Play' Awards as complementary to our strategy."

The Cross Community Cup is an annual tournament that has been growing year on year by championing football across the community. The tournament makes a virtue of bringing youth teams together from all over Northern Ireland including Linfield, Glentoran, Celtic Boys, Shankill Juniors, Magherafelt Sky Blues, Tristar Boys, Killyleagh, and others to participate and enjoy the game together.

Brian McDowell, a representative of the tournament host club Carryduff Colts FC, said: "Football brings people together who love the game. Our tournament is growing because it is accessible, well organised and great fun to take part in.

"Our ethos is built on respect, participation and fun – so the support from both Hughes Insurance and the Irish FA is hugely appreciated. The addition of these three awards based on fair play, respect and sportsmanship truly underpins the values on which this tournament has been established."

Enjoy reading the Irish News?

Subscribe before January 31st to receive a FREE month of The Irish News Digital